Congressman Patrick McHenry today announced he is joining the new Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus. The caucus is a bipartisan effort to educate Members of Congress – and the general public – about the threat Islamic Extremists pose to our nation.

“Today, our nation is fighting a global war against Islamic Extremists – and make no mistake about it, this is our generational challenge,” Congressman McHenry said. “It was my grandparents' generation that fought the Nazis. It was my parents' generation that fought the Communists. It is our generation that is fighting Islamic Extremists wherever they are. The Anti-Terrorism Caucus has one fundamental purpose – provide a better understanding of our enemy, which will lead to greater success on both the domestic and international fronts.”

There are currently more than 70 Members of this caucus, which is co-chaired by Reps. Sue Myrick (R-NC), Bud Cramer (D-AL), Kay Granger (R-TX), and Ben Chandler (D-KY). It meets twice a month where Members receive briefings from terrorism experts. A few of the subjects that will be discussed in the next several months include terrorists’ use of the internet, terrorist financing methods and ideological differences between moderate Muslims and extremists.

“Terrorists don’t target Democrats or Republicans. They target Americans, and this is why we must face this issue as Americans,” Congresswoman Myrick said. “Members of Congress and the American public must know the threats we face from radical jihadist terrorists. This caucus will give Congress the tools and resources it needs to inform the public about these threats, as well as help them make more informed decisions when it comes to terrorist issues.”

This caucus will help provide Members with more detailed information on terrorism so that Congress can create better policy and provide better oversight regarding terrorist threats. In addition, this caucus will help Members start an informed dialogue with the public regarding terrorism so that all Americans better understand the extent of the threat we face.